Accident Reconstruction Network > News > June 2007

Accident Reconstruction News Article

New Crash Data Retrieval system used in traffic investigations

Council Bluffs Police Department traffic investigators are using a new data retrieval device that saves time and effort in determining vital information about collisions.

The $2,600 Vetronix Crash Data Retrieval unit purchased in March was made possible through a combination of funds from the West Pottawattamie County Farm Bureau Federation and seized assets.

The CDR Unit is a small electronic processor that plugs directly into the air bag sensor of a vehicle. The air bag sensor, also referred to as an electronic control module or black box, feeds diagnostic information through the CDR into specialized computer software.

The computer program generates reports that traffic investigators can use to corroborate the statements of witnesses. The device is particularly handy when there are no witnesses.

The air bag does not need to deploy before the black box will begin recording this vital information. It is triggered by rapid deceleration. If a person is forced to brake abruptly or slow down quickly, the module wakes up and begins to take notes.

Traffic Investigators can determine the speed of travel, the rate of deceleration, if and when the brakes were depressed and whether the driver had the seatbelt engaged.

The CDR is a portable unit with adaptors for different makes and model of vehicle.

General Motors began including this technology in the manufacture of new vehicles in 1994. Ford installed their version of an electronic control module in new cars and trucks starting in 2001. Other manufacturers continue to follow suit.

Before the purchase of this equipment, the air bag sensor was removed and shipped to Des Moines for data retrieval. Police can now take a diagnostic reading at the scene of the accident, if necessary.

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